The airport was named after a prominent Arecibo born businessman and pilot, who perished along with his wife and two passengers, on a flight from Isla Grande airport in San Juan to Arecibo on Mother's day, 1979. His wife's body was recovered the next day being picked up by fishermen from La Perla in San Juan. His body, the two other passenger's and the aircraft (a Cessna) were recovered from the sea on Father's day 1979. They were visiting his parents in San Juan for Mother's day. The weather was particularly rough that evening and it's believed to be the cause of the accident.

For the 12-month period ending March 17, 1998, the airport had 1,836 aircraft operations, an average of 153 per month: 65% general aviation, 21% air taxi, and 14% military.[1]

Antonio (Nery) Juarbe Pol Airport also has a large number of LSA (Light Sport Aircraft) and Ultralights. It has become the main center of Sport Aviation in Puerto Rico. The airport is very popular with skydiving having a private skydiving school.